Serving people who are blind or visually impaired since 1905

INSIGHT - THE IRIS NETWORK'S NEWSLETTER FOR ALL - FALL 2019

Click Here for the complete newsletter in PDF Format
Iris Network Vision with no limits Insight Newsletter Fall 2019
Thanks to you, my vision loss doesn’t limit me!
Sara Nichols proudly holding a certificate for completing rehabilitation!
I am a mother, a wife, and a student at UMASS Boston. I also lost most of my vision 5 years ago to a hereditary disease.
Click here to view the full article »

Photo by WeWalk This electronic walking stick is revolutionizing the way that blind people can navigate the world.
As a means of protecting people from low-hanging objects and obstacles above chest level, the WeWalk smart cane uses ultrasonic sensors to warn the user of nearby hindrances through vibrations in the handle.
The cane can be paired with a smartphone’s Bluetooth systemClick here to view the full article »

Resident Care Worker (CRMA) – part-time

Position : Resident Care Worker (CRMA), part-time 15-20 hours/week (morning and weekend shifts available), no benefits, based in Portland, ME. Opportunity for more hours depending on need, as well as covering for other shifts as needed
Agency : The Iris Network, 189 Park Avenue, Portland, ME. www.theiris.org
The Iris Network, a community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizationClick here to view the full article »

Accounting Manager

Position : Accounting Manager, in Portland, full-time, benefits.
Start date: immediate
Agency : The Iris Network ( www.theiris.org ), a community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission of helping people who are visually impaired or blind attain independence and community integration, seeks a finance professional who thrives working at a fast pace to join our teamClick here to view the full article »

Maine Seniors audible magazine article

Maine Seniors November, 2018
Making a difference for Mainers with vision issues by Shelagh Talbot
Upon request, the following is a link to an accessible, audible, recorded reading of an article featuring The Iris Network in the November, 2018 issue of Maine Seniors magazine for your listening pleasure or to share with others: http://maineairs.theiris.org:82/MSM-Aug19.mp3 .Click here to view the full article »

A support group for clients with low vision is available in the Bangor area

In collaboration with Maine’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) and The Iris Network, a support group for clients with low vision in the Bangor area has formed with an initial six members and is open for new members to join. They meet at the Career Center on the second and forth Monday every month at 1-2:30pm. Family and friends are also invited. Sessions are now led by DBVI or The Iris Network staff, addressing participants’ areas of interest where members share their experiences and needs. For more information, contact Sue Summers at ssummers@theiris.org.

The White Cane Walk for Independence is an event organized to promote a better understanding of Maine’s White Cane Law and to increase public awareness of safe independent travel for people who use white canes or guide dogs. By participating in the Walk, you help raise money for The Iris Network's programs. Every bit counts!

Click Here for full deatils on the 2019 White Cane Walk for Independence

A support group for clients with low vision is available in the Bangor area

In collaboration with Maine’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) and The Iris Network, a support group for clients with low vision in the Bangor area has formed with an initial six members and is open for new members to join. They meet at the Career Center on the second and forth Monday every month at 1-2:30pm. Family and friends are also invited. Sessions are now led by DBVI or The Iris Network staff, addressing participants’ areas of interest where members share their experiences and needs. For more information, contact Sue Summers at ssummers@theiris.org.

A support group for clients with low vision is available in the Bangor area

In collaboration with Maine’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) and The Iris Network, a support group for clients with low vision in the Bangor area has formed with an initial six members and is open for new members to join. They meet at the Career Center on the second and forth Monday every month at 1-2:30pm. Family and friends are also invited. Sessions are now led by DBVI or The Iris Network staff, addressing participants’ areas of interest where members share their experiences and needs. For more information, contact Sue Summers at ssummers@theiris.org.

April 3rd, 2011: Behind Our Eyes 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. This group meets through phone calls to discuss writings, listen to speakers and network with fellow writers. Meetings are held the first and third Sunday of each month. Contact Elisa Busch at 571-257-7355 or glbusch@comcast.net for more information.

Originated in the Augusta area, allowing people with a vision impairment to meet in an informal environment to talk about our challenges and how we overcome those challenges. We mentor and support one another by listening to one another, offering encouragement, and praising one another for overcoming and achieving. No achievement is ever too small! We meet on the First and Third Tuesdays of each month. The time is 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm EST. We welcome you! for more information, please call or write: Leona McKenna 207-333-7087

Waterville Disability Peer Support Group 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Pleasant StreetUnited Methodist Church. This group meets each month on the third Tuesday of the month. For more information, contact Alpha One in Bangor at (207) 941-6553 or TTY (877) 229-8954.

The Wells Support Group, For people with vision impairments and their significant others, Wells Congregational Church, Post Road (US Route 1) last Wednesday of the month from September until June (except July and August), from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. FMI call Brenda Bacon 207-646-7079.

The Iris Network is a community-based, Maine nonprofit 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation. Our vision is to build a world where no person is limited by visual impairment or blindness. The Iris Network is accredited by the National Accreditation Council for Blindness and Low Vision Services.